Help the Bees: Sustainable Beekeeping and Biodiversity at La Donaira
At La Donaira, we are deeply concerned about the challenges bees face today, and we are committed to making a meaningful difference. For nearly 12 years, our farm has been free from chemicals and conventional farming practices, allowing us to create a thriving ecosystem where bees can flourish. This unique environment serves as a model for how biodiversity and agriculture can coexist in harmony. Our goal is to raise awareness among our visitors about the indispensable role bees play in sustaining life on Earth and to restore their rightful place as the heart of our ecosystem.
Our approach to sustainable beekeeping focuses on improving the genetic resilience of our bees. We provide them with everything they need to maintain strong immune systems and withstand environmental stressors. To achieve this, we take only a small surplus of honey—just what they don’t need—leaving the majority for the bees themselves. We also avoid removing pollen or royal jelly, as these are essential to their overall health and vitality.
Currently, we care for twenty-two hives in diverse locations across our farm: seven are perched in trees, eleven rest on the ground, one is located in our Medicinal Garden, and three form part of our innovative “bee-bed.” This unique installation allows guests to meditate alongside the hum of the bees, offering a deeply calming and connective experience. By simplifying beekeeping processes and prioritizing the natural well-being of the colonies, we’re working to address issues like colony collapse and make it easier for others to support healthy bee populations.
We are a dedicated team of ecologists, farmers, beekeepers, and free spirits who believe that individuals, rather than corporations or governments, hold the key to solving the bee crisis. With collective action and a shared sense of responsibility, we can ensure the survival of these vital creatures.
Through our Help The Bees campaign, we aim to inspire and empower others to make a difference. Funds raised will go directly toward expanding our bee community by installing new hives, maintaining existing ones, and supporting the preservation of bees in their natural habitats. Together, we can contribute to the balance of nature and ensure a future where bees continue to thrive.
Taste Our Honey
Our raw wildflower honey comes straight from the hives at La Donaira. "Raw" means it’s unheated and untreated, ensuring that all its natural nutrients and properties are preserved. We use no chemicals for disease treatment, relying instead on herbal medicine and other natural methods to keep our bees healthy.
Honey produced through natural beekeeping is celebrated not only for its rich, complex flavors but also for its exceptional medicinal properties. It’s a product of harmony, reflecting the health of our bees and the pristine environment they call home. Every jar of our honey is a testament to the power of sustainable beekeeping and the extraordinary gifts of these small but mighty creatures.
